Reptiles Are Not Appropriate Pet Options For Small Kids

Reptiles can pose health hazards so it is not a good idea to allow your kids to have them as pets. It is relatively difficult to take care of a pet reptile, particularly in maintaining hygiene which is critically important. In the past poor sanitary practices and improper handling of reptiles resulted in salmonella outbreaks. 

If a comparatively older kid wants to pet a reptile, he should be taught first how to handle and take care of a pet reptile. 

You should monitor your kid and help him with managing the pet reptile at the start. For instance supervise him while he feeds, cleans, and maintains a good environment for the reptile. 

Reptiles can live for more than 10 to 20 years, which means you should be aware of the commitment you are going to make for this long period.  

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital Pasadena, MD. 

Dealing With Spray-Marking Behavior Of Cats

 

Like all behavior issues, your pet’s history will help in identifying options for treatment.  Where your pet urine marks, how many locations, how often, and how long she marks are all important factors.  The number of pet cats both outside and inside the home must also be identified.  Environmental changes, human/animal social patterns, and new additions to the home (such as renovations, furniture, pets, people) must also be investigated. 

If your pet cat is not yet neutered and you do not want it to breed, you may want to have your pet castrated.  To rule out medical issues, a urine test has to be done.  Also, determine where your cat sprays urine.  Do you see small spots of urine in various multiple locations, or do you see urine 6 - 8 inches up on walls? 

The treatment should be focused on minimizing the animal’s spraying motivation.  There is some evidence that evaluating and enhancing litter box usage might minimize spraying.  The ideal number of cat litter boxes is how many cats are there in the home plus one.  Change the litter weekly and clean it every day.  Spray some scent neutralizing products on any spots that get sprayed.  Additionally, factors that could make a cat refuse to use the litter box have to be addressed.

If your pet’s spray marking behavior bothers you, it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian Pasadena, MD about it.

Kitten-Proofing Your Home

Making your home kitten-proof is a lot like making it childproof.  Check every room to ensure that your new kitten cannot get herself in trouble or play with something hazardous.  Begin with spots where you might expect a kitten to spend most of her time.

Check for breakable items that might become a temptation to your new pet.  Firmly affix any breakables so they cannot get toppled or store them away.  Do not assume that placing them on higher shelves will do it.

Evaluate hanging textiles such as draperies.  Kittens like climbing and they will practice with their claws on any material.  Cords of mini-blinds have to be secured.  Your kitten might mistake them for toys and get herself tangled.

Make sure that the flowers and plants that you keep are not toxic to cats.  The ASPCA has a list of safe and unsafe plants.

Check for any frayed edges on furniture and carpets because they can easily become chew toys.  Kittens like chewing on a string.  If swallowed, this might

become a fatal blockage in their intestinal tract.  Ensure that there are no pieces of ribbons, yarn, thread, or string lying around on the floor.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health and/or behavior,  don’t hesitate to contact your animal clinic Pasadena, MD. Set an appointment here: https://www.glenburnievet.com/.

Some Tips Before You Place Your Hamster Inside a Ball

 

Buying pet toys is one of the enjoyable things that pet owners like to do. If you have a pet hamster and just recently purchased a ball, consider first the following tips before putting your pet inside:

●     To prevent injuries, make sure your hamster is completely awake and eager to play. It is not advisable to wake up your pet to play or put your hamster inside the ball when it is tired. They also feel anxious when pet owners pick them up while sleeping.

●     When picking up your hamster, make sure you do it carefully. Hamsters tend to bite when mishandled. Always supervise your kids when holding or picking up a hamster.

●     Hamsters run while inside the ball. Do not put your hamster inside the ball after eating to prevent your pet from having an upset stomach.

Hamster balls are a great way to physically and mentally stimulate your pet. Consult your veterinarian Pasadena, MD if you have any concerns regarding your pet’s health and wellbeing.

Should you bring home two sugar gliders instead of one ?

 

You have decided to add a sugar glider to your family and it’s time for you to start planning out how you are going to do so. This makes you wonder – since a lot of people tend to bring them home in pairs, should you do the same?

Sugar gliders are very social creatures and this means that you will be taking the time to think about the ideal ways to help your new addition get the attention she needs. Your little fur ball may benefit from having a companion in her life, as this allows her to have someone by her side even when you are otherwise occupied. Your pet will be able to enjoy some time with a friend, form a close bond, and enjoy her time in your household more effectively. For more information, please contact your local vet clinic Pasadena MD.

Feeding your chinchilla

You have a new chinchilla coming into your life and you want to make sure you are able to offer her lots of love and attention. This means that your pet will need you to take the time to figure out what she needs in order to thrive.

Your chinchilla will need you to take the time to talk with her veterinarian so you can determine the ideal food options for her. This will likely include plenty of hay and some kind of pellet mix. Fresh produce is often likely to be a part of her diet as well. Take the time to think about what you can do to ensure you are offering her the right types of each of these foods and doing so in the ideal portion sizes to meet her needs. For more information, please contact your local vet clinic Pasadena, MD.

The Belgian Malinois

Are you familiar with the Belgian Malinois (Mal-En-Waw)? This canine breed is one of the most intelligent breeds around. But know up front, this dog is often recommended only for owners that are willing and able to put a lot of time and hard work into this breed as the breed tends to require extensive and consistent training. The Malinois is often referred to as the Mal. He originated in the 1800s when a group of Belgian trainers were looking to perfect the sheep herding dog breed. The came up with the Malinois, a dog with black ears and a cat that can come in light fawn or even a deep mahogany coloring. The Malinois has a dark muzzle and a strong jaw with scissor like teeth. Training is critical from 8 weeks to 6 months of age with an emphasis on socialization. The breed is similar to the German Shepherd. Give your vet Pasadena MD a call for more details.

Cockatoos

 

If you are planning to get a pet bird, make sure you talk to your vet ahead of time to find out what kind of care is needed for a pet bird. For instance, how much will it cost, how much care is required, are vaccinations needed? Cockatoos are a common first time pet bird and a popular pet bird for those with experience in bird care. Cockatoos, however, need a lot of time and attention given to them. You may want to consider buying a pair instead of just one that way they can keep one another company. In general, Cockatoos should have three to four hours of playtime outside of the cage. You may not do this every day but at least every few days would be best. Cockatoos love toys and love attention from their person. A well trained and socialized bird can be affectionate, playful and even a bit silly. Talk to your vet clinic Pasadena MD  to learn more.

Tips for Sharp Dog Nails

Cats are known for having sharp nails, but they aren’t the only animals that can end up scratching you. Surprisingly, dogs can have very sharp nails!

The first step to dealing with your dog’s nails is to trim them regularly. It’s much better to trim a little bit frequently than it is to trim a lot only every once in a while. Clip as close as you can to the quick without actually trimming the quick.

Canine nails can remain sharp even after they are clipped. That’s especially the case if your clippers are dull, or if your dog has very large nails. Using a nail file or a Dremel tool can soften the edges of your dog’s nails, making them less sharp.

For help dealing with your dog’s nails, or for tips on buying the right clippers, schedule an appointment with your vet clinic Pasadena, MD.

Making the most of your time with your pet

You spend a lot of time with your pet, but you wouldn’t exactly consider all of it to be quality time. How can you make the most of the time you do have with your pet?

You want to make sure you have a strong bond with your pet, so you will need to take the time to show her that she is a priority in your life. Be there to spend time with her outside of the care you are offering her. Give her your undivided attention and show her that she matters to you. Have some fun with your pet, and really enjoy her company. This will help you both engage in the activity at hand and make plenty of memories together. Your local Pasadena, MD vet can help you care for your pet. Visit this site for more information.

Does your guinea pig make noise?

Sharing your home with a guinea pig means that you get to spend a lot of time with a furry friend. It also means that you will likely hear your pet trying to communicate with you.

Guinea pigs are known for making noises, and in time you will learn how your pet is feeling when she makes certain ones. Your pet may chirp or squeak at certain times, while at others she will make a noise that sounds like purring. Take note of what’s going on around your pet when she makes these noises for insight into their meaning. For example, your pet may be excited to interact with you and make specific noises upon saying hello, or she may make another noise when she has had enough interaction for the moment and wants to head back into her enclosure. For more information, please contact your local veterinarian Pasadena, MD.